In the third annual Tour of the Dragon mountain bicycle race, Sonam, an employee of Aman Kora, came first breaking last year’s record of 11 hours and 31 minutes. He completed the 268 kilometre race from Bumthang till Thimphu in 11 hours.
The race was flagged off at 2 am from Bumthang by His Royal Highness, Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, the President of Bhutan Olympic committee and also a biking enthusiast. Sonam reached the finish point of the race, at the clock tower square, exactly at 1 pm.
“I worked so hard and always dreamt of winning the race. Today is the happiest day of my life,” said Sonam.
But the journey towards the victory wasn’t without hurdles. Sonam said the weather was unpleasant and that he even fell down at Pelela and got several cuts.
The winner was awarded a cash prize of Nu.100, 000.
Ugyen Yoesar, a tour guide of the Yangphel Adventure and Travel came in second place. He completed the race in 11 hours 33 minutes. He took home a cash prize of Nu.80, 000.
Thinley Namgyal working at the National Environment Commission stood third. He completed the race in 12 hours and 38 minutes. He was awarded Nu.60, 000.
The opposition leader Tshering Tobgay who also took part in the race came in fourth position.
The riders crossed four mountain passes from elevations of 1,200 metres to over 3,340 metres above sea level.
A total of 42 participants including 10 foreigners took part in the race. It was organised by Bhutan Olympic committee with support from Tourism Council.
